A:I have here our price sheet on an FOB basis.The prices are given without engagement.

B:Good.If you’ll excuse me,I’ll go over the sheet right now.

A:Take your time,please.

B:I can tell you at a glance that your prices are much too high.

A:I’m surprised to hear you say that.You know that the cost of production has been skyrocketing in recent years.

B:We only ask that your prices be comparable to others.That’s reasonable,isn’t it?

A:Well,to get the business done,we can consider making some concessions in our price.But first,you’ll have to give me an idea of the quantity you wish to order from us,so that we can adjust our prices accordingly.

B:The size of our order depends greatly on the prices.Let’s settle that matter first.

A:Well,as I’ve said,if your order is large enough,we’re ready to reduce our prices by 2 percent.

B:When I say your prices are much too high,I don’t mean they are higher merely by 2 or 3 percent.

A:How much do you mean then? Can you give me a rough idea?

B:To conclude this deal,I’d say a reduction of at least 10 percent would help.

A:Impossible.How can you expect us to make a reduction to that extent?

B:I think you are as well-informed as I am about the market for chemical fertilizers.It’s needless for me to point out that supply exceeds demand at present and that this situation is likely to continue for a long time yet.Why don’t you search online or email your home office and see what they have to say?

A:All right,I will.